Spend 69 seconds with … Dara Parker

I sold buttery popcorn and high fructose corn syrup products at Cineplex Odeon.

02The job you wanted as a child.

I think I wanted to be a teacher, probably so I could be in charge…

03Your pet peeve.

Not taking responsibility for one’s own actions.

04Your hero.

The people of South Africa. I am forever impressed that a country that has gone through so many traumas is able to progress forward peacefully and with hope and forgiveness.

05Finish this sentence: I first kissed a girl…

…and I liked it. I really liked it.

06Your biggest indulgence.

Cookies. Preferably of the soft, chewy variety.

07Your ideal vacation.

As a travel addict I’m always looking for a country I’ve never visited, with excellent food, beautiful landscapes, and an opportunity to experience something new.

08Three things you would want with you on a deserted island.

An e-reader. Electricity for said e-reader. And sunscreen.

09 If you could have dinner with anyone you want, who would that be?

Stephen Harper. I have a few ideas to share with him.

10 The one thing any visitor to Vancouver simply cannot miss.

A walk around the seawall with a mug of tea and a good friend!

Meet Dara Parker

Dara is a community planner with a background in diversity and inclusion and over 14 years’ experience working in non-profits and local government. She began her career working in international development and has travelled to over 45 countries, spanning five continents. Her CIDA-funded youth engagement work in Lesotho (Southern Africa), inspired her to return to pursue a Masters in Planning at the University of British Columbia, with a focus on how to build inclusive cities.

Dara’s notable achievements include: working for Kids Help Phone, the United Nations Association in Canada, the City of Burnaby, and Cuso International. For the last three years Dara has consulted with UN-Habitat on their inaugural Youth Advisory Board, helping mainstream youth participation throughout the organization.

Dara volunteers as Co-President of the United Nations Association in Canada Vancouver Board, promoting public engagement on global issues. Most recently Dara took a sabbatical year travelling in Colombia and Spain to learn Spanish and write about the intersections of culture and sustainability. An active athlete, Dara can be found teaching snowboarding on Grouse Mountain or playing volleyball around Vancouver.